Starting a workshop.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Bergen on August 24, 2008 at 2:45pm

Hey Dan!

Wow, this is a great question and one I've never seen or been asked.

I don't think you'll hear 2 of the same "how I got into coaching" stories, but here's mine. Not sure if it will be of any help, but what the heck. Here ya go.

In 1985 I was doing a play. My bio in the program listed my VO credits. After the show one night, a gentleman came backstage and told me he was opening an acting school and wondered if I was interested in teaching an animation VO workshop. I told him I'd never taught before and didn't feel comfortable taking money when I had no idea of what I was doing. But I took his card and thanked him for thinking of me.

About a month later I was contacted by the SAG Conservatory. They offer classes/seminars for members throughout the year at a very low membership fee. Someone referred me to them, and they asked if I would be interested in teaching an animation seminar.

I asked what they paid instructors. They pay nothing. I accepted!!!! I figured, if I sucked I wouldn't have any guilt about taking actor's hard earned money.

I taught for SAG Conservatory for about a year. I found I not only liked it, but was rather good at it.

In 1987 I contacted the gentleman who I'd met backstage a couple of years earlier and asked if he was still interested in me teaching an animation VO workshop? He was, indeed. I taught for his school for about a year. They set the price. I believe my first class was 6 weeks/$150. I took a 60% cut, and the school took 40%.

I taught for this school for another year. Then, I decided to go at it on my own which I've been doing now for 20 years. I also taught for UCLA, UC San Diego, Cal State Northridge, and still on occasion for SAG Conservatory.

My Los Angeles class has a 2-4 year waiting list. I also teach weekend animation workshops throughout the US and Canada throughout the year.

So, that's my story. It's been a 22 year journey. Lots of chance. Lots of guessing. But lots of fun!!!!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Dan on August 25, 2008 at 11:17am

Thank you Bob!

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Permalink Reply by Barry Trussell on January 3, 2009 at 3:40pm

Hi Dan,

Well let me first clarify that I wouldn't consider myself a full on coach in voiceover (but on the path) however, I do teach workshops and here's how it developed . . .

I helped in learning to orgranize, setup, run, breakdown workshops from the mortal business world. At first I was just assisting which lead to organizing, which led to presenting partly, then fully. From that I learned all the ins and outs which lead me to voice over.

For me, I love organization, so learning how to give professional presentations fit like a glove. I'm Gemini, so moving from black and white orgranizational thinking to creative crazy fun thinking is an easy switch. Some call this bi-polar, LOL.

My suggestion for you is to attend, observe, ask questions and I believe that should you have an aptitude for such things, only good can come out of that. If you're a good writer for the material needed, even better. Having an lesson plan is the key to teaching and staying focused, at least that's what I think.

Good luck with this Dan. Should you want to disucss it further, shoot me an email, and I'll be glad to jump right in and help!

Barry

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